LA entered the match against Vancouver as heavy favorites against the reeling Whitecaps, who limped into the postseason as the Western Conference’s fifth seed. But LA was dealing with issues of their own as the Galaxy were forced to make do without right back Sean Franklin, who missed the match due to a hamstring injury.

Whitecaps FC shocked the Galaxy by jumping out to a fourth minute lead when Darren Mattocks beat LA ‘keeper Josh Saunders. With the lead, Vancouver packed it in their defensive third, often putting nine or ten men behind the ball to limit the Galaxy’s attacking options. That tactic worked until the 70th minute when Magee came to the rescue.

The goal came off a David Beckham corner as the Galaxy midfielder played a short pass to Juninho, who fired a cross towards Magee in the center of the penalty area. With plenty of room, Magee launched a side-footed volley that sailed past Whitecaps goalkeeper Brad Knighton to bring the Galaxy level. The goal caused an immense momentum shift as LA continued to bombard the Vancouver net in search of the game winner.

Donovan converts PK

Four minutes later, the Galaxy would get just that went ahead for good as a Whitecaps defender Martin Bonjour tumbled over Landon Donovan in the box setting up a penalty kick. Donovan stepped up and converted from the penalty spot, giving the Galaxy a 2-1 win and setting up a matchup with the Supporters’ Shield winning San Jose Earthquakes.

The clutch midfielder provided the series-clinching goal in the second leg of the Western Conference Semifinals with his 39th minute strike against the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium (WATCH) which helped seal a 3-2 series win on aggregate. A few days later, in the first leg of the Western Conference Championship against Seattle, Magee continued his postseason exploits, scoring his team’s second goal in a 3-0 victory. (WATCH)